Rochdale Borough Council

Automatic extension of planning permission

We've automatically extended all planning permissions which were due to end between 19 August 2020 - 31 December 2020. These planning permissions will now end on 1 May 2021. 

If your planning permission ended before 19 August 2020, you must apply to extend it using the details on this page.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Find out if you need planning permission, how to apply or get advice.

Before you apply for planning permission

Not all work will require planning permission. The owner of the property or land is responsible for complying with the relevant planning rules.

You can also contact us before you apply if you'd like some advice or help with your application.

• Check ​if you need planning permission or building regulation approval​​
• View pre-application planning ​advice and how much it costs
• See what supporting information you'll need to apply - you can view this on our Local List (722kb pdf)

Apply for planning permission

You need to apply for planning permission through the Planning Portal.

Site visits for planning permission applications

If a site visit is required:

• We'll ask you if anyone on the site has tested positive for COVID-19, has symptoms or is self-isolating. If this is the case, we won't visit.
• We'll contact you or your agent to let you know what day we'll visit your site. Unfortunately, we can't give you a specific time as our planning officers visit several sites every day.
• Please stay indoors during the site visit but leave any gates unlocked so the planning officer has full external access without having to knock on your door. If you live in a terraced house, the officer will, if possible, gain access from the rear.
• Please don't talk to the planning officer during your site visit unless it's essential. If it is essential, you should follow social distancing guidelines at all times.

What to do if you don't need planning permission

You can apply for a certificate which is a legally binding document that protects all parties and can be relied upon when conducting property searches. There are 2 types of certificates:

• Lawful Development C​ertificate (proposed) - confirms whether or not your proposal requires planning permission. 
• Lawful Development Certificate (existing)  - confirms​  whether or not planning permission was required for work which has taken place.

Apply for a Lawful Development Certifica​​te